Sennay Ghebreab studied information systems and continued to do his PhD in medical imaging. As a postdoc, he focused on technical systems, in particular the development and application of artificial intelligence. He used these insights later on in researching how physical patterns in our environment shapes the human brain. Currently, his research focuses on social systems, and addresses mechanisms of bias, discrimination, diversity and inclusivity in a (digital) society. He is also involved in societal discussions on refugees, migration, integration, discrimination, innovation and education. He aims to draw attention to the interaction between these processes and create and stimulate inclusive cities and communities. Within the Refugee Academy, he focuses on writing research proposals, supervising research and facilitating innovative city and community initiatives. 

What is your scientific background and expertise?

I have always been interested in interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to studying complex systems. I studied information systems, then did my PhD in medical imaging. As a postdoc, I focused on technical systems, in particular on the development and application of artificial intelligence. Insights from this research I later applied to study cognitive and neural systems, specifically how physical patterns in our environment shape the human brain. Currently my research focuses on social systems,  and addresses mechanisms of bias, discrimination, diversity and inclusivity in the (digital) society.

What do you feel is the most important about/central to the Refugee Academy, and why?

In recent years I have been increasingly involved in societal discussions and debates on refugees, migration, integration, discrimination, innovation and education. Although these topics are often considered separately from each other, there is a strong interaction between them: they form a complex and dynamic eco-system. Refugee Academy offers a space to address the above  topics in an integral and interdisciplinary nature.

What role do you have within the Refugee Academy, and what keeps you busy in this role?

Supervising research, writing research proposals, facilitating innovative city and community initiatives.

What is your personal ambition within the Refugee Academy, and how would you connect this to your work and/or life outside the Refugee Academy? 

Technological innovation and global migration, are changing the local demographic landscape rapidly, creating all kinds of socio-economic and political challenges, such as inequality, exclusion, discrimination and polarization. At the same time technological innovation and global migration are creating new opportunities for reshaping society into a resilient and inclusive eco-system. My ambition with Refugee Academy is to understand and map these challenges and opportunities, and by doing so to create and stimulate inclusive cities and communities.